Can Your Landlord Charge Extra for Building Amenities?
The New York Times••business
Key Points:
- Landlords of rent-stabilized apartments in New York City cannot mandate tenants to pay fees for amenities like gyms or lounges, as these are not allowable ancillary charges under rent stabilization laws.
- Tenants should inform landlords in writing that they will not pay for or use such amenity spaces, citing the state’s rent stabilization law that prohibits mandatory fees for ancillary services other than security.
- The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (D.H.C.R.) provides guidance on permissible fees and tenants can file a rent overcharge complaint if landlords insist on collecting unauthorized fees.
- Collective action by multiple tenants can prompt D.H.C.R. to initiate administrative or enforcement proceedings against landlords charging illegal fees.
- If an outside operator rents the amen
